A Guy's Post-College Guide To Growing Up

The Desert Boot: Primer Approved

The perfect in-between of casual and dress — nicer than a sneaker but more relaxed than a dress shoe — the desert boot provides a great way for looking smart in the warmer months without suffocating your feet.

The perfect in-between of casual and dress — nicer than a sneaker but more relaxed than a dress shoe — the desert boot provides a great way for looking smart without suffocating your feet.

The warmer months can be tricky as far as dressing well is concerned. It’s not unreasonable to put comfort before style, but is it really necessary?

Not if you’ve got a pair of desert boots.

Similar in form to a chukka boot, the desert boot is based off a style British Army officers in World War II fell in love with from the markets of Cairo. If you’re not sure about the look, don’t cast the idea off until you see a pair being worn.

The desert boot looks great with jeans and khakis, with a dress shirt or a t-shirt, proving to be one of the most versatile things about spring.

Less rugged than a larger boot like my beloved Fryes and less formal than most oxfords, desert boots provide a nice balance of dress and casual.

The go-to brand for desert boots is Clarks. A classic British shoe company founded in the 1800’s, Nathan Clark launched the desert boot in 1950.

Several styles exist, but our favorites come in suede. The brown pair shown here are known as Taupe Suede and are the perfect warm month replacement of any brown casual boot or shoe in your winter arsenal.

New to suede? Don’t worry about the scuffs, I think desert boots look even better when they’ve seen some action. (For specific care, check below.)

The desert boot’s crepe sole is made from a natural rubber that makes them very comfortable for walking or putting in a long day’s work. Similar to the chukka, the desert boots only have two pairs of eyelets and a soft leather construction, allowing for easy movement and no constriction.

You’ll want to weatherproof the suede, and make no mistake, these aren’t all-purpose weather boots. Their soft construction and light sole keep your feet cool; if you wear them in the winter, your feet will be cold and may end up wet.

Andrew is the founder and editor of Primer. He's a graduate of American University and currently lives in Los Angeles. Read more about Primer on our About page.

troglodad

I’ve been wearing Magnum brand desert boots for two years now. They have sneaker soles with boot uppers. Super comfortable, easy to clean. Comfortable even when the kids drag you around the mall or zoo all day, or you take the family on a long drive. And very durable. The Magnums I wore in the service were still in decent shape 15 years later- too bad I outgrew them.

You’d have to rip my Clarks Desert boots from my cold, dead hands. The best part is how they age. They look much cooler and more versatile as they get a little age on them. This should be a core shoe in your wardrobe.

Kevin

I picked up the Beeswax leather just a few weeks ago. They were kinda stiff at first but the leather has started to break in nicely and the more scuffs they get the better they look. If you are buying the Clarks, make sure to size down. I wear an 11, but in the Clarks I bought a 10.5.

Ben

Got mine through Club Monaco–20% student discount meant getting them for less than other places. Taupe Suede. Wore them like hell through the winter too, which means there’s some “water damage” on the toe now, but I think they look best worn and broken in. Ended up tossing in an insole though because they definitely are hard on your feet when walking long distances I found–no support, but I wasn’t expecting any. My favourite shoes right now.

Cheers,
Ben

http://www.primermagazine.com/2010/learn/2010-fall-beer-review Andrew

Joe, The Loakes look great!

Playstead, Absolutely agree. Definitely a staple every guy should have.

Kevin, I like the Beeswax leather as well. It’ll look great broken in.

Ben, Nice find! I be they look great with some wear on them.

Terry W

Hi, I’ve often admired them from afar, never had a pair, will be looking into them more seriously in the near future. Enjoy my sneakers, but never hurts to have variety.

HM

I bought the Eco friendly ones about 1 month ago and i must say these are magnificent. They arent Eco friendly in the sense you would think, they are just thinner and lighter, which allow for the jeans to not fall into the shoe. Got them for 65 bucks…from 6pm.com

Jacob

I love the look of the beeswax and the taupe. I recently bought the taupe 2 months ago and already the soles are comin unglued???! I walked the soles right off of the beeswax pair I had in only 6 months?! I need a solution here. Has my luck just landed me with faulty boots or do you others have the same issue? I’m all about the broke in look. But I want the shoe to stay together. Be tough an look tough. I don’t think anyone can argue with that?

http://www.primermagazine.com Andrew

Hey Jacob,

That’s some crazy bad luck you’re having with your shoes. I haven’t had any problems similar to that with the two I have. Maybe someone else can jump in with thoughts? If it’s only been 2 months you should try getting in touch with the manufacturer.

Jacob

Andrew
I did just that and they are shipping me a new pair. No hassle at all. I’m glad they stand by their product and hope that these boots last!

http://www.primermagazine.com Andrew

Jacob, that’s fantastic! Glad it worked out, and thanks for checking back to let everyone know.

AJ

Hey Andrew,
I just came acorss this site today. I’ve been looking into purchasing Clark’s desert boots and really love the Oakwood suede look but my only issue is in half the pictures they look a more camel colour and in others they are darker coloured.
I really like the camel coloured look in the oakwood suedes. Is it all just tricky lighting and great photography though?
cheers

http://www.primermagazine.com Andrew

AJ,

I’d say the photo that is the close up of the toe at the bottom of the article is a good representation of its color in real life.

AJ

Andrew,
Thanks for the speedy reply and clarifaction mate!
i’ll be ordering my first pair soon!

Hey Andrew,
I love this site, I found it very recently. I was wondering which of the Clarks Desert Boots you would suggest. The Oakwood or the Taupe? I love them both, but I can’t make up my mind.

http://www.primermagazine.com Andrew

Hey Ryan,

Thanks! Glad you like it! If you already have a pair or two of brown boots you may want to try the oakwood. If not, or are ready for a new pair, go with the taupe, it’s more versatile.

Ryan

Thank you very much!

http://PrimerMagazine John

What are your thoughts on Clark’s Wallabees? They have a small following on my campus, but I’m not sure about their appeal outside the college bubble.

http://www.primermagazine.com Andrew

John, I think Wallabees can look great with the right outfit and the right venue. I don’t think they’re super versatile, and don’t really work for professional situations except for occasionally in the casual office.

Clarks desert boots are a must! I wear them everywhere- dressed up or casual. Just got back from India and they even survived that trek. They are like fine wine too because they get better as they get older. Every person should have a pair!

SpenFelk

My most recent purchase of Clark’s Desert Boots has left me feeling completely satisfied and confident in my style. They are comfy, durable, and are guaranteed to look great with a pair of corduroy’s. I would definitely recommend buying a half-size smaller than usual, because as they break in, they will naturally form around your feet. The boots’ simple yet stylish design is what I consider to be the perfect balance between cowboy boots and Bucks. The classic two-eyelet design is not only clean and simple, but also provides for easy tying.
Despite popular opinion, I would recommend replacing the traditional Sperry’s, for Clark’s Desert Boots this upcoming spring and summer. It is a unique look, that when combined with a button down plaid shirt and chino shorts, provides for the perfect balance between dress and casual. When trying to pull off this distinctive look, a certain level of confidence is necessary. I am proud to strut around in my Clark’s Desert Boots, knowing that I am in my own realm of style.

These things never go out of style, they are classic. I remember wearing them to grade school in the early 60’s, then to JR High and High School during my Hippie phase. I’d wear a pair today but now, as an old fart, I have flat feet and need more arch support than they can provide.

Andrew, are these boots still considered fashionable? I am a fashion newbie trying to upgrade my style and these look like a good option. But I noticed this post is a few years old…so would you still recommend these as strongly? Or are they out of style now? Still wearing my square toed shoes at the moment….

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